Maurice Oldham, Kimberly Elise’s Ex-Husband: Biography, Death, and Family

Maurice Oldham may not be a name you hear every day, but his story is both touching and inspiring. He was a talented photographer, a caring father, and the former husband of actress Kimberly Elise. While Kimberly Elise became well known for roles in movies like John Q and The Manchurian Candidate, Maurice lived a quieter life behind the scenes.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the life of Maurice Oldham — from his early years and career to his marriage with Kimberly Elise and the legacy he left behind. Let’s explore who he really was beyond just being “Kimberly Elise’s ex-husband.”

Maurice Oldham Quick Bio

Maurice Oldham’s Early Life and Background

Maurice Oldham was born on December 30, 1958, in Princeton, New Jersey, USA. He grew up in a loving family, though not much is publicly known about his early childhood or siblings. His full name was Maurice Clifton Oldham Jr. He was raised in a Christian home and was of African-American heritage.

Maurice was known to be thoughtful, creative, and passionate about photography from a young age. His birth sign was Capricorn, which is often linked with hardworking and responsible people. Those who knew him said he always had a calm and kind nature.

Education and College Life

Maurice was well-educated. He attended schools in the Princeton public school system and later went to Rider University in New Jersey, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. Not stopping there, he continued his studies and received an MBA from Atlanta University in Georgia.

His education helped him develop a strong foundation, not just for business, but also for the creative career he would later pursue in photography. Maurice believed in learning and growth, which showed in both his personal and professional life.

Career Beginnings as a Photographer

In 1994, Maurice moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles to follow his passion for photography. There, he started his own company called MTalent Photography. He had a special eye for capturing real moments, and his work included people from all over the world.

His photography wasn’t just a job — it was his art. He shared his work in public exhibits and with friends. He loved exploring new places and using his camera to tell stories. Maurice’s work stood out because it was natural, full of life, and deeply personal.

Maurice Oldham’s Work in the Entertainment Industry

Maurice also worked in Hollywood, not in front of the camera, but behind it. He was part of the camera and electrical department on a few movie sets. One of his known credits includes working on the 2004 film Woman Thou Art Loosed.

Though he didn’t chase fame, people in the industry respected him for his skills and professionalism. He enjoyed being part of creative projects and bringing visual stories to life.

Marriage to Kimberly Elise

Maurice met Kimberly Elise before she became a household name. The couple got married in 1989, and at that time, they were living in Minneapolis. Their love story was simple and private. They supported each other while building their careers and raising a family.

Kimberly went on to star in major films and TV shows, but Maurice was always by her side during her early rise. Their marriage lasted for 16 years, and together they shared many beautiful moments.

Life as Kimberly Elise’s Husband

Being married to a rising star wasn’t always easy, but Maurice preferred to stay away from the spotlight. While Kimberly gained attention on red carpets, Maurice focused on his work and his family.

Even though the media didn’t talk about him much, those close to the couple saw him as a loving husband and a devoted father. He let Kimberly shine while quietly building his own legacy as a talented photographer and caring partner.

Their Two Daughters, Aja and Jaela Rose

Maurice and Kimberly had two daughters together. Their first daughter, Aja Arial Oldham, was born in June 1990. Their second daughter, Jaela Rose Oldham (often called “Butterfly”), was born in October 1998.

Maurice was a very involved father. He loved spending time with his girls and even volunteered at their school — St. James Episcopal School in Los Angeles. He also directed a youth praise team there, showing just how deeply he cared about family and community.

Divorce from Kimberly Elise

After many years together, Maurice and Kimberly decided to end their marriage. They got divorced in 2005. The reason for their separation was never made public, and both of them kept the matter private.

Even after the divorce, they continued to focus on their daughters. They co-parented with care and respect, always putting the children first. There was no drama in the public eye, just two people who took different paths but stayed connected as parents.

Maurice Oldham’s Personality and Lifestyle

Maurice Oldham wasn’t just a cameraman or Kimberly Elise’s ex-husband — he was a kind and thoughtful person. Friends and family described him as gentle, creative, and deeply spiritual. He wasn’t the type of man who wanted attention. He liked to live a simple, meaningful life.

He was very involved in his community. Maurice loved volunteering, especially at his daughters’ school. He also helped lead the Village Family Praise Team, a youth group at St. James Episcopal School. His strong faith guided him, and he later became a member of the Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles. This showed how important both family and faith were to him.

Maurice Oldham’s Death and Final Days

Sadly, Maurice Oldham passed away on May 17, 2007. He died in Los Angeles due to complications from a massive blood clot. His death was sudden and unexpected, and it deeply affected everyone who knew and loved him.

Many people paid tribute to him, remembering his warm heart and quiet strength. Even though he stayed away from the spotlight, his death touched many in the entertainment and photography world. His daughters, family, and close friends still remember him with love and respect.

Family and Relatives Left Behind

When Maurice died, he left behind many loved ones. His ex-wife, actress Kimberly Elise, continued to speak kindly about their past. Most importantly, he was survived by his two daughters, Aja Arial Oldham and Jaela Rose Oldham (Butterfly), who meant the world to him.

He was also survived by his mother, Mamie Oldham, who lived in Princeton, New Jersey, and his sister, Wendy Oldham, along with her husband, Seymour Burke. Maurice’s father, Maurice Clifton Oldham Sr., had already passed away, as had his grandparents. His family was proud of the life he lived and the love he gave.

Maurice Oldham’s Net Worth and Achievements

While exact numbers are not publicly confirmed, Maurice Oldham’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million at the time of his passing. This came from his work in photography and his business, MTalent Photography. He also did some work in film projects, which added to his success.

His biggest achievement, however, was not about money or fame. It was about how he lived. He balanced career, family, and faith with quiet strength. He built a beautiful life without needing the spotlight. That alone is something to admire.

Final Thoughts

Even years after his passing, people still remember Maurice Oldham. Many want to know more about Kimberly Elise’s ex-husband, not just because of her fame, but because of the quiet legacy he left behind.

Maurice’s story reminds us that success doesn’t always have to be loud. He lived with kindness, worked with passion, and loved deeply. In 2025, his name still comes up because his life had meaning. He was more than a celebrity ex-husband — he was a father, a creator, a giver, and a good man.